3 Maternal Factors That Increase the Chances of Birth Injuries

Most birth injuries occur from the result of an error by a healthcare worker. However, a woman’s preexisting conditions may increase the risk of a traumatic birth for her child. Learn the factors that may contribute to difficult labor and delivery.

#1. Maternal Age, Height, and Weight

When it comes to giving birth, age, height, and weight are factors in delivering a baby. In regard to age, women younger than 35 are more likely to have healthy pregnancies and less risk of birth injuries for their child.

Medically speaking, younger women have an increased risk of preeclampsia and preterm labor, which often leads to fetal growth restriction. There are several causes for this, including higher rates of poor prenatal care, smoking, and sexually transmitted diseases.

In regard to body size, women with a body mass index (BMI) that is too low or too high have a greater risk of hypertension, diabetes, congenital malformations, intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, and the need for a C-section. Additionally, women shorter than five feet tall tend to have smaller pelvises, which can lead to shoulder dystocia.

#2. Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs in approximately 8.5% of pregnancies. Gestational diabetes, as well as preexisting diabetes, increase the risk of the following:

• Pyelonephritis
• Ketoacidosis
• Preeclampsia
• Fetal death
• Fetal growth restriction
• The need for a C-section

Healthcare workers can screen pregnant women for gestational diabetes with plasma glucose tests. The best treatment for gestational diabetes includes dietary modification, exercise, and monitoring of blood glucose levels.

#3. Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases can increase the risk of fetal death and birth injuries. Women with untreated HIV have a 30% chance of passing the virus onto their babies postpartum, and a 25% chance intrapartum.

Other, curable STDs can still cause major issues during and after pregnancy. For example, bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia all increase the risk of preterm labor and premature rupture of the membranes.

Healthcare workers must screen pregnant women for any STDs and prescribe the appropriate treatments to protect the mother and the baby’s health.

Injured While Giving Birth? Contact Us Today

If you were injured during your labor and delivery, our Miami medical malpractice attorneys can help you identify any and all liable parties and recover the compensation you deserve. Healthcare workers must take every possible measure to protect patients from harm, and they must be held accountable when they fail to do so.

Call Grossman Roth Yaffa Cohen at (866) 629-1061 to schedule a free consultation.